Identification of a novel virus Watermelon botourmiavirus 1 in watermelon in China and analysis of its molecular characteristics

doi:10.16178/j.issn.0528-9017.20250874

Abstract

Abstract:

In this study，watermelon leaf samples showing symptoms of mosaic，chlorosis，and mottling were collected from Taizhou，Zhejiang Province. To identify the type of pathogen，total RNA was extracted from the diseased leaves and subjected to metatranscriptomic sequencing. Through sequence assembly and alignment，a novel virus belonging to the family Botourmiaviridae was identified and named Watermelon botourmiavirus 1（WBV1）. RT-PCR and DNA sequencing confirmed that the target sequences of the virus were present in 6 out of the 10 collected samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the RdRp protein of WBV1 shares high amino acid sequence identity with those of viruses in the genus Ourmiavirus，family Botourmiaviridae. This study provides the first report of WBV1 infecting watermelon plants in China，providing a theoretical basis for understanding the occurrence mechanisms and developing control strategies for this viral disease.

Key words: watermelon, virus identification, Watermelon botourmiavirus 1

CLC Number:

S432

WANG Haoran, WANG Yucong, XIAO Ming, MING Ke, WU Huijie, FENG Guozhong. Identification of a novel virus Watermelon botourmiavirus 1 in watermelon in China and analysis of its molecular characteristics[J]. Journal of Zhejiang Agricultural Sciences, 2026, 67(10): 2470-2474.

Figures/Tables 3

References 19

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